“Heritage Valley is pleased that we have reached a fair and equitable agreement with Highmark. The agreement provides Highmark insurance subscribers with continued access to Heritage Valley hospitals, medical neighborhoods, physicians, and other health care services that exist in the communities we serve,” said Norm Mitry, president and CEO, Heritage Valley Health System. “We are looking forward to continuing to be a participating provider in all Highmark products as well as the Quality Blue hospital program.”

Highmark Health Services will also continue to work collaboratively with Heritage Valley Health System and likely bring them into the patient-centered medical home program in the near future.

“It is important that these independent health systems have a strong working relationship with Highmark Health Services. We are pleased that the new contract with Heritage Valley achieves an important balance, reimbursing the institution to provide necessary care to Highmark Health members, while also recognizing the need to maintain comprehensive and affordable health benefit programs for Highmark Health Services customers,” said Michael Fiaschetti, president of Health Markets for Highmark Health Services. “As health care costs continue to rise, we need to continue to work with all health care providers to reach mutually acceptable agreements that are in the community’s best interests.”

“Highmark is committed to working with community hospitals to support improvements in health care that will enable them to remain independent and will assure affordable access to quality medical care for its members in community-based settings,” added Fiaschetti.

About Heritage Valley Health System

Heritage Valley Health System is a $450 million integrated delivery network providing comprehensive health care for residents of Allegheny, Beaver, Butler and Lawrence counties, in Pennsylvania; eastern Ohio; and the panhandle of West Virginia. In partnership with 3,900 employees and more than 450 physicians, Heritage Valley offers a broad range of medical, surgical and diagnostic services at its two hospitals, Heritage Valley Sewickley and Heritage Valley Beaver; in 72 physician offices; and 14 community satellite facilities. For more information about Heritage Valley Health System, please visit www.heritagevalley.org.

About Highmark Health Services

Highmark Health Services is among the largest health insurers in the United States and the fourth-largest Blue Cross and Blue Shield-affiliated company. Highmark Health Services operates health insurance plans in Pennsylvania, Delaware and West Virginia that serve 5.3 million members. Its diversified health businesses serve group customer and individual health needs across the United States through dental insurance, vision care and other related health businesses. Highmark Health Services is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies. For more information, visit www.highmark.com.